The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) commenced a three (3) day inquiry into the 2016 mid – year budget review as of Wednesday the 12th October and will end today, Friday 14th October 2016.
Chair of the PAC, Hon Rick Houenipwela in this opening remarks said, this is a Parliamentary Committee and it is mandated under section 62 of the Constitution and under orders 69 of the Parliamentary Standing Orders.
“It is through this Committee that Parliament exercises its oversight role to look into the management of funds.
“The function of the Committee is to review and examine public accounts and expenditure as part of the overall oversight functions of Parliament.”
The Public Accounts Committee wishes to exercise financial scrutiny on the 2016 Mid-Year Budget Review in light of Sections 52 (1) (a) (b) of the Public Finance Management Act 2013.
Financial scrutiny of the Executive is fundamental, and an important function of the Parliament. Thus the Committee on behalf of Parliament is obliged to;
- Cause a review and closely monitor the expenditure of the Annual Budget, which the Committee itself has earlier gave concurrence to
- Ascertain the need for control measures that the Executive may have imposed in the implementation of the annual budget
“I only wish to remind all of us to be truthful and provide constructive remarks, nor defamation for the cause of this Inquiry,” said the Chairman.
“Not adhering to these instructions and Committee expectations, is a contempt to the Committee and Parliamentary privileges,” he added.
Ministries that are schedule to come before the committee are: Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Ministry of National Security, Police and Correctional Services, Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development and Ministry of Public Service.
Other Ministries not on Schedule has been asked to provide a written submission to the Committee by Friday 14th October.
Members of the PAC Committee are:
– Hon. Rick Houenipwela, Chairman
– Hon. Derek Sikua
– Hon. Derrick Manuari
– Hon. Mathew Wale
– Hon. Connelly Sandakabatu
– Hon. Nestor Giro
– Secretaries are: Mr. Peter Lokay (Auditor General) and Ms. Jasmine Waleafea (Committee Clerk).
– Parliament Media
